Concieved orginally to carry a pair of new Light Gauss Rifles tied to an advanced Targeting Computer, the Catapult II went through a series of redesigns and refits before arriving at its production model. The first model contained a light gauss rifle, extended range PPC and support weapons on a lighter chassis, but this was scrapped due to the need for a targeting computer to make an effective mech. A few varients were tried, eventually arriving at the current design after dropping the targeting computer to allow the increase in mass that a standard fusion engine would need. This also allowed the designers to replace the standard armour with Ferro-fibrous, further reducing the wieght gain from the standard engine. The XL varient is still available should anyone have the funds necessary to order it.

Extremely long range firepower is the specialty of the Catapult II. Each of its light gauss rifles is able to outrange ERPPC's by 60 metres, standard gauss rifles by 90 and Long Range Missiles by a huge 120 metres, while providing the punch of a large laser with 60% more range.
Like most long range designs, the Catapult II is lacking greatly in short range firepower, but its six ER small lasers are enough of a threat to lighter mechs that most simply run away. Despite this, many MechWarriors replace the small lasers with standard or ER Mediums to extend their reach, although this does result in a loss of firepower.
MechWarriors also comment that it runs so cool that they could continue to operate normally while standing in a roaring inferno

The most common varient is the version with the targeting computer and XL engine, this varient is not widely used due to the expense and availability of the components, but may be found in elite units, it is designated the CPLT-2-L3.
Also available is the CPLT-2-L5, which swaps out the light gauss for a pair of AC/2's and ammo, but it is uncommon except as an anti-air platform.